Cozy, Creamy, and Packed with Mediterranean Flavor
When you want comfort food that doesn’t take hours—or half your kitchen—to make, sun-dried tomato chicken orzo is the answer. It’s a rich, creamy, one-pan wonder that’s full of tender chicken, chewy orzo, and the bold, slightly tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes.
This is one of those dishes that feels like something you’d order at a cozy bistro but can pull together in about 30–40 minutes at home. One pan, no drama, tons of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One skillet = minimal cleanup
- Creamy without being heavy
- Sun-dried tomatoes = instant flavor boost
- Weeknight-friendly and meal-prep approved
- Customizable with your favorite greens or cheeses
It’s comfort food without the fuss—and once you make it, you’ll want it in your dinner rotation every week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this creamy orzo dish shine:
🍗 For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika or Italian seasoning (optional)
🍅 For the Orzo Base:
- Orzo pasta (small, rice-shaped pasta)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, chopped)
- Garlic, minced
- Shallot or onion, finely chopped
- Chicken broth or stock
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh spinach or baby kale (optional)
- Lemon juice
- Fresh basil for garnish
This combo creates a dish that’s savory, creamy, a little tangy, and totally irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get this one-pan magic going.
🔥 Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and optional seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden on both sides (5–6 minutes per side), then remove from the pan and set aside.
Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through yet—it’ll finish in the pan later.
🧄 Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add chopped shallot (or onion) and garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook another minute.
🍚 Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add dry orzo to the pan. Stir to coat in the oils and aromatics. Toast for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
🥣 Step 4: Add Liquids & Simmer
Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat. Stir often so the orzo doesn’t stick. Cook for about 8–10 minutes until the orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
If it gets too dry before the orzo is cooked, add a splash more broth.
🍗 Step 5: Return Chicken & Add Cream
Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan. Add cream and stir gently. Cover and simmer for 5–8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
🧀 Step 6: Finish with Cheese & Greens
Stir in parmesan until melted. Add spinach and fold it into the orzo until just wilted. Squeeze in some lemon juice and garnish with fresh basil.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | ~32g |
| Carbohydrates | ~42g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Total Fat | ~24g |
| Saturated Fat | ~9g |
| Sodium | ~500 mg |
| Vitamin A & C | Moderate |
| Calcium | Moderate |
✅ High in protein
✅ Balanced and hearty
✅ One-pan meal = fewer dishes
Tips for the Best Chicken Orzo
- Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil – They’re more flavorful and blend beautifully into the sauce.
- Deglaze the pan – Scrape up those golden bits after searing the chicken—they’re pure flavor.
- Toast the orzo – Adds a nutty depth and prevents mushiness.
- Finish with acid – Lemon juice at the end brightens the whole dish.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – Let it simmer gently to finish cooking in the creamy orzo base.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
Want to mix things up? Here’s how to keep it fresh:
🍃 Swap the Greens
Use kale, arugula, or peas instead of spinach.
🧀 Change the Cheese
Try crumbled feta, goat cheese, or pecorino for a sharper edge.
🌿 Herb It Up
Add thyme, oregano, or rosemary for extra Mediterranean flavor.
🧄 Add More Heat
Toss in red pepper flakes for a little kick.
🥓 Make It Smoky
Crispy pancetta or bacon adds a rich, smoky note.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
🧊 Store It:
Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
♨️ Reheat It:
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
🧺 Meal Prep Friendly:
Portion into containers with extra greens or roasted veggies for grab-and-go lunches.
Serving Suggestions
This sun-dried tomato chicken orzo is a full meal, but if you want to round it out even more, try these:
- Side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus
- A chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
It’s cozy and elegant enough for dinner guests, yet simple enough for Tuesday night.
Orzo vs. Other Pastas
Wondering why orzo is so special? Let’s compare:
| Pasta Type | Texture | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Orzo | Tender, chewy | One-pot meals, creamy bases |
| Arborio Rice | Creamy, starchy | Risotto |
| Penne | Firm, ridged | Baked pasta, tomato sauces |
| Spaghetti | Slippery, long | Red or olive oil-based sauces |
Orzo’s short size and smooth texture make it ideal for absorbing creamy sauces like this one without becoming soggy.
A Personal Note from the Kitchen
The first time I made this dish, it was a weeknight, and I had about 45 minutes before my hunger turned into hangry. I had chicken, some leftover orzo in the pantry, and half a jar of sun-dried tomatoes I’d forgotten about.
What came together was this creamy, cozy, one-skillet wonder—and it’s now a regular at my table.
It’s one of those meals that feels impressive but isn’t fussy, and that’s exactly the kind of dinner we all need more of.
Mediterranean-Inspired Bowl Build
Want to serve this as part of a bigger spread? Try a bowl-style setup:
- Scoop of sun-dried tomato chicken orzo
- Roasted eggplant or zucchini
- Marinated olives
- Hummus or tzatziki on the side
- Sprinkle of feta or pine nuts
Perfect for meal prepping or a casual dinner party that feels upscale with no stress.
Final Thoughts
Sun-dried tomato chicken orzo is everything we love in one bowl: tender chicken, flavorful pasta, a rich creamy sauce, and that bold punch from sun-dried tomatoes. It’s comforting, satisfying, and totally doable—even on your busiest nights.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this one-pan dish is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
No stress. No stack of dishes. Just really good food.